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College of Agriculture and Life Sciences 
Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences

Healthy, Happy Eating

Our research brings you the safe, nutritious, sustainable foods you need and enjoy.

Your Food Is Our Science

You may not think about how the food and beverages in your grocery cart got there. Fortunately, we do.

We evaluate and discover everything from breakfast meat to the next big thing in craft beer to ensure consumers have access to an abundant, safe, and delicious food supply.

We conduct research, work with manufacturers, and pass our knowledge along to the next generation of food industry leaders through a variety of centers, labs, and processing facilities in Raleigh and across the state.

How we Think and Do

image. Lab personnel

Food Science

We study food composition and behavior to produce safe, wholesome products using a combination of chemistry, microbiology, and engineering. We prepare graduate and undergraduate students for careers across the food industry and related sectors, such as food packaging, fermentation, and pharmaceuticals.

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a man holding and inspecting a freshly brewed glass of beer

Bioprocessing Science

We apply the biosciences to the development and production of fermented foods and beverages, biofuels, and health care products, such as biopharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. Our undergraduate program combines courses in biochemistry, microbiology, and molecular biology with practical hands-on experience.

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two women looking at produce at the farmers market

Nutrition Science

We study how nutrients and food affect individuals, families, and communities by incorporating the physical, life, and social sciences with chemistry, biology, microbiology, genetics, and psychology. Graduate and undergraduate students develop skills for jobs in public health, health and wellness, and food and pharmaceuticals.

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Wolfing Down Food Science Podcast

Summer 2024

Even though school is out, our podcast “Wolfing Down Food Science,” is going strong all summer long! We hope you enjoy listening to the show about science you can eat, and don’t forget to leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

Listen

Extension and Outreach

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researchers in a lab testing products

Extension, Product Testing, and Development

With pilot plants, product testing, a seafood lab, and more, our experts offer unique resources to stakeholders across the food and beverage supply chain.

Collaborate with us 
Two men in a food processing facility as one of them uses a control lever

Courses, Workshops, and Certifications

Whether you want to continue your education or obtain certifications for professional development, we offer many in-person and online programs to get you to the next level.

Advance your career 
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Community Outreach

Our students, faculty, and partners apply their learning to meet local and global challenges. As volunteers, activists, and leaders, we commit to service and outreach efforts to grow as individuals and as a community.

Explore our programs 

Wolfpack Brewing Lab

Our on-campus brewery operates as a research and teaching facility where we develop an educated workforce and advance the science of brewing in support of the local, state, and national brewing industries.
Brewing beer is an art and science, and we employ methods from chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and sensory analysis to produce high-quality products. We even offer a popular brewing science and technology minor.

See what’s brewing
Student stirring beer mixture

department news

More News
A boudin sausage cut in half with a plastic fork

Fishing for a New Sausage Recipe

A new recipe for boudin, a beloved Louisiana sausage, calls for smoked salmon and expertise from seafood scientists with NC State University. 
Food scientist Keith Harris with three team members at 321 Coffee

A Food Scientist Breaks Down the Pumpkin Spice Phenomenon

Coffee with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger — starting in August? A food scientist explains pumpkin spice’s origins and its lasting appeal. 
side view of a steak on a grill above hot coals

The Science of Steak on the Grill

Did you know that grilling a steak involves science? Fire up the grill this weekend to see the Maillard reaction as the meat browns and grill marks appear.